Church as It Ought to Be - Part 2

I. Introduction (Hebrews 4:12; Matthew 4:4)

A. I love these two chapters in Nehemiah (chapters 8 & 9)

1. It describes what Church ought to be like even today in the 21st Century
2. Without the entertainment factor, and without the stage or all the manipulation of people’s emotions through the music and the stories
3. But just with the people gathered together to hear what God thought - to learn how God sees things, and discover the right way to live - all from the Bible alone!

B. You see, Church has always been about the Bible (John 6:63)

“It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.” - John 6:63

1. It is NOT about the building where we meet
2. It is NOT about the programs we run
3. It is about hearing from God through His Word

II. What We Need for Church

A. We need the Bible

1. The living Word of God
2. Powerful and effective (Hebrews 4:12)
3. Our daily bread (Matthew 4:4)

B. We need hungry hearts

1. People who want to know God
2. People willing to be changed
3. People ready to obey

C. We need faithful teachers

1. Who rightly divide the Word
2. Who explain clearly
3. Who apply practically

III. What Happens When We Have Biblical Church

A. People understand God’s truth

B. People are changed by God’s truth

C. People obey God’s truth

D. Joy returns to God’s people

IV. Conclusion

A. This is everything we need

B. No gimmicks required

C. Just God’s Word and willing hearts

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For more information, contact Bible Baptist Church of Ballincollig at www.biblebc.com